by Analisa Herndon
Special to The Leaven
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann remembers his very first Snow Ball, benefiting Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. It just happened to coincide with his first day as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
“I came to the archdiocese in March of 2004 as a coadjutor archbishop. A coadjutor archbishop assists the current archbishop in his ministry with the understanding that the current archbishop is nearing retirement,” said Archbishop Emeritus Naumann. “On January 15, 2005, Pope John Paul II granted retirement to Archbishop James Patrick Keleher, which resulted that day in me becoming archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas.”
“Archbishop Keleher quipped that the Snow Ball was the inaugural ball for my ministry. It was beautiful and inspiring to see this large gathering coming together to celebrate and encourage each other in generously sharing the gifts entrusted to them in the service of the poor of our community,” he continued.
Two decades after his first “ball,” the gala continues to draw thousands of guests for an evening of gratitude, love and life-changing hope. Archbishop Naumann will be there as Snow Ball celebrates its 52nd year on Jan. 17, 2026, at the Overland Park Convention Center. He will serve as honorary president alongside copresidents Ray and Sarah Evans and Kevin and Debbie Wilkerson. Together, they will honor the volunteers, supporters and donors who enable Catholic Charities’ mission to provide help, hope and hospitality.
“Snow Ball is an annual reminder of the lives touched by Catholic Charities,” said copresident Ray Evans. “It is imperative that people see mercy, service and justice in action.”
For more than five decades, Snow Ball has raised tens of millions of dollars to support Catholic Charities’ ministries. Last fiscal year alone, the agency served 74,109 individuals and nearly 27,000 families through 25-plus life-changing programs throughout northeast Kansas.
Snow Ball is beloved throughout the Kansas City community and is unique among other metro galas for the fact that there is no financial ask the night of the event. All funds are raised prior to the evening.
“What separates Snow Ball from all other events is that it is a celebration of generosity. It is just a clean, fun way to celebrate one of the largest fundraising events in the city,” explained copresident Kevin Wilkerson.
Ninety-one cents of every dollar donated through the event’s Patron Gifts help the agency meet the growing need to feed, clothe and house individuals and families; provide further education to attain job skills and a livable wage; secure employment; and so much more.
“Snow Ball is the largest fundraiser for Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and the gala has only become more engaging and impactful throughout the years,” said copresident Sarah Evans. “Making a Patron Gift is an unrestricted fund and assures Catholic Charities’ programs are there for the people that need them.”
Every Snow Ball commences with a feature film, highlighting one of the agency’s ministries, such as the St. Rita Workforce Development program, Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living program, or food assistance initiatives. Guests get the opportunity to see how Catholic Charities moves individuals from a place of needing help, to one of having hope. Known throughout the agency as “hope stories,” these client success stories highlight the incredible effect Snow Ball has on Catholic Charities’ ability to serve.
“Several years ago, I recall the testimony of a beneficiary of Catholic Charities’ support that was now in a position themselves to donate to Snow Ball and to continue the circle of giving,” recalled Archbishop Naumann. “It is beautiful to see how Catholic Charities has helped individuals overcome adversity and be able to provide for themselves and their families with dignity.”
Snow Ball is more than a gala. It is a vessel for the community to care for the poor.
“I encourage others to support Snow Ball because it makes you part of the miracles of love that happen every day in our archdiocese due to the work of the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities,” said Archbishop Naumann. “Everyone who supports Snow Ball becomes part of their ministry to provide food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless and the ability to break free from the cycle of poverty.”
In addition to learning more about the agency and those served, event attendees will celebrate the evening with a cocktail reception, formal sit-down dinner and dancing to live music from the Crossroad Sound band. To purchase a ticket or table or make a Patron Gift, visit the website at: snowballgala.org.
